What are the highest and lowest early childhood education salaries that I could earn?
Early childhood education salaries greatly depend on 3 major factors: education level, years of experience and location. With an early childhood education associates degree, you can expect to earn between $17,000 and $46,000 in an entry-level position. In 2012, the average annual salary was around $25,000 for those just starting out. You can boost your yearly salary by furthering your education and by completing professional development hours.
If you have a bachelors degree in early childhood education, your salary should range from $31,000 and $76,000 each year. The average salary for early childhood education teachers with a 4-year degree is around $51,000. If you have a bachelors with a concentration in special education, your yearly average will be around $53,000.
A doctorate in early childhood education will earn you the highest salary in early childhood education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the salary range for a doctorate level education is between $30,000-$130,000 annually, with the annual medium around $62,000.
In addition to my early childhood education salary, will I earn benefits?
In addition to your early childhood education pay, you will earn benefits if you have both a degree in early childhood education and or state teaching certification. Depending on your place of employment, you may receive partial benefits for part-time work. You should keep in mind that most employers do not offer benefits before 90 days.
If you work for a public school system, you can expect benefits, such as health and dental insurance, 401K retirement plans, paid training or education reimbursement. If you work for a public school, you may also get summers and holidays off.
Some private elementary and preschools will offer you other benefits, including life insurance, paid days off and a childcare discount. Childcare centers often offer employees free professional development opportunities. Many private facilities will offer you short-term disability pay once you have been employed for at least 6 months.
Frequently, employers offer more benefits to you the longer you stay with their business. Employers might provide extra paid days off per year or a paid vacation after 2 or more years of employment. Daycares and preschools that reside in larger cities may offer you free transit for your commute to work.
Will I always earn a salary in my early childhood education job?
Depending on your level of education and your location, you will not always earn an early childhood education salary. This is particularly the case for many childcare centers and preschools, as most employees are paid by the hour.
Some early childcare centers pay salaries for lead teacher and administration positions, but most employees, especially part-time workers, may never earn a salary. However, many hourly jobs often supplement workers with benefits.
Public school districts typically offer salaries to their employees, including the part-time staff. If you have a bachelors degree and work full time or part time at an elementary school, you will always be able to earn an early childhood education degree salary.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is growing. As long as you hold a bachelors with the appropriate certification, you should earn a competitive salary for your location.
If you have a masters degree or a PhD in early childhood education, you should generally earn a salary as long as you can find employment. With a doctorate level of education, you can also earn a decent income as a college professor. Also, if you have a masters and work in a public or private elementary school, you should have a higher salary than anyone who only holds a bachelors degree.
